Coming along handsomely… by the looks of these pics, Handsome Coffee has come a long way with their new headquarters in Downtown LA. There are some finishing touches in place already, but, also some majors that are waiting to happen. All in all, things are looking really good for an opening (hopefully) in the next several weeks. If not a hard opening, I know some parties are in the works. I know that we talk about Handsome alot, but, you know, when you get to know these guys and their coffee, you’ll understand.

Here is a pic of the front of the cafe currently. Down at the bottom of the post, is a “before” pic from November of last year.

While all of this is happening, Jesse and Lisa are holding down the fort serving up their blend of espresso in the back of the cafe. Jesse is a master. Lisa here is learning the craft. A former lawyer turned barista, she is chasing her dream of a creative life in the coffee biz. We love dream chasers, Lisa rocks.

Matt is the GC… going through the very complex blueprints for the Handsome operation.

I wish I knew all of the details of this roaster… but, what I do know is that it’s a 1956 Probat UG22 roaster that they tracked down (after a long search) in Belgium, restored, and imported over here. Like Handsome Coffee, it has the reputation to be the best, of course.

Details like this smoking pipe are laser etched in the surface of the walls of the cafe… one of many identity icons for the Handsome brand.

Here is the “before” pic of the Handsome storefront a few months back. They’ve come a long way.

Nature can be such an inspiring thing.

From our trip to Yosemite.

Its appeal is endless, which is why we always find ourselves clinging to every hint of it, even when we’re safely tucked at home. These teak coasters, are something special.

The teak coaster perfectly paired with the color dipped mug.

Handmade from reclaimed wood, each coaster is like a small reminder that there are bigger, more amazing things out there in the big, wide world. Their exposed tree rings constantly mesmerize us and make us wonder what things they’ve seen and what stories they could tell.

Teak has natural weatherproof qualities, which means no sealers or treatments were used on these beautiful pieces. Just simple nature’s beauty.

Nothing brings a smile to our face than lovable creatures that somehow sneak into our dishware Wouldn’t you love having these guys sneak a peek at you early in the morning as you slurp through your morning cereal?

Made with beautiful white porcelain, these wave bowls make use of the peaks and valleys to form a cheerful silhouette of a lion, elephant, dog or cat.

Put them by the door and have a critter stand guard over your keys, coins and knick knacks. I never know where I put those little items in my pockets, so maybe now I won’t forget to drop them with the most lovable animals in town.

The best part of these bowls are the thoughtful details in and outside the bowl. See those paw prints in front?

This dog derriere is the cutest. I’m fighting the urge to help him up the lip of the bowl.

This elephant is trying to reach an apple subtly drawn just to the side. (See it?) Guess elephants aren’t working exclusively for peanuts after all.

This lion isn’t here to scare anyone. It’s just there playing with a butterfly just out of reach on the left.

Made in Nagasaki, Japan, each bowl is beautiful and an endless source of everyday inspiration. Bring a little friend home and see what you think.

Color literally makes the world a brighter, happier place, which explains why we are enchanted with these mugs.

Each of them were dipped into a colored glaze to create a simple, beautiful color-drenched look. It was hard to pick which hue we liked best, so we went with all of them: charcoal, blue, yellow and red.

Made in Nagasaki, Japan, these beautiful white porcelain mug is made even more special with a dose of color. The dipping process creates a nice, subtle gradient that gently fades to white. Doesn’t that look like liquid sunshine?

Sunshine in a cup.

This reminds me of a clear, blue sky.

The red wakes up my senses.

A classic combination.

Which one is your favorite?